‘Teamwork makes the Dreamwork’ for U9 Wolfpack who bring home Gold medals

By Casandra Turnbull

It was as a golden weekend to cap off March Break for the U9 Local League Team 2 Wolfpack who travelled to Owen Sound for the Barb Downey Memorial. While there, they outright dominated every time they stepped on the ice. If you’ve ever watched a great game of hockey and witnessed the magic of teamwork in its finest form, then you’ll understand how special and rewarding this tournament was for these young players

It’s not too often a group so young can execute the game with such teamwork, strategy and perfect positional play. It’s a wonder they’ve only played together for the last six months.

The forward lines were on fire, netting 44 goals over five games. They skated and passed the puck with ease, out maneuvering their opponents at every turn They successfully positioned the puck in front of the net so a teammate could score so regularly it’s hard to believe that some of these players never played the game before this season.

The defensive lines acted like a solid brick wall at the blue line, spoiling any chance of the opponents dumping the puck out of their zone They fiercely defended their goalie, keeping the puck and opponents at bay.

Ben Turnbull recorded two shutouts over the weekend, only allowing three goals against.

It was a golden weekend for the U9 LL Team 2 Wolfpack who travelled to the Barb Downey Memorial Tournament in Owen Sound. This young squad scored 44 goals and only allowed 3 goals in show of absolute dominance. Pictured from left to right, Levi, Jace, Sebastian, Sloan, Austin, Davis, Luke, Ben, Henry, Brennan, Mason and Liam. Absent from the tournament, and missed by her teammates, was Maddy.

In round robin play, Paris outplayed Sturgeon Lake Thunder

8-1, Owen Sound Jr Attack (Red)

7-1, and the Shallow Lake Lakers

10-0 In semifinal action, Paris shutout the Owen Sound Jr Attack (Red) with a commanding 14-0 victory (very) early Sunday morning to earn a spot in the finals. With the gold medal on the line, Paris faced new opponents, the host team Owen Sound Jr Attack (Gold). With a comparable points record in round robin play, Paris was ready to face some tougher competition on route to a tournament title It was a back and forth first period, ending in a 1-1 tie. Paris went ahead in the second period, but the Attack continued to apply the pressure.

Turnbull made a nice save on an Owen Sound breakaway to keep the Wolfpack on top of the scoreboard Halfway through the game the Wolfpack’s offense sprang into action and scored three more goals to secure the 5-1 win. Luke Wilkinson was credited with a hat trick in the final game (not his first of the weekend either). Other notable moments on the ice included Liam Arsenault’s first goal of the season, Sebastian Hand’s double goal game to open the tournament, Brennan Deane’s breakaway goal (unique feat for a defensive player), diving defensive slides from Henry Bartscher and Sloan Gal to stop opponents from taking shots on our net, quick puck